https://bugs.winehq.org/show_bug.cgi?id=38758
--- Comment #2 from Ken Sharp imwellcushtymelike@gmail.com --- Went back to Wine 1.7.30 where I managed ONE successful installation. After that though every single attempt failed with a new "Function failed" message no matter which version of Wine I tried to use (while bisecting). I can't see that being an issue with Wine but something very wrong with Ubuntu.
In short: I cannot run a regression test. It's impossible.
Note: if the installer asks if you want to install the Windows Media Components then the installation has progressed past this bug.